The Cambridge Challenge is a citywide initiative to increase the number of meaningful connections between the businesses and youth of Cambridge.

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Mayor David Maher Hosts A Thank Event For Employers Of Cambridge Youth

On September 22^nd, Mayor David Maher held an appreciation ceremony for the 37 businesses and organizations who hired Cambridge youth this summer. The event was part of the Cambridge Challenge, an initiative of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce’s Community Outreach Committee. The event included a presentation of certificates and a photo with the mayor. Student employee Laura Jean also spoke about her experience at Dwyer/Partners, LLP. The Cambridge Innovation Center was presented with the Warren P. MacEachern award for outstanding employer of the year. An ad ran in the Cambridge Chronicle on September 22nd recognizing the commitment that local businesses and organizations have made to Cambridge youth. 

The 2011 Summer Challenge

Did you know that young people who start working as teenagers are more likely to stay in school and have an easier transition into the labor market after high school and college? 

Young people are motivated to work and can fill many different types of entry-level positions. The Chamber of Commerce would like to remind our business partners that there are many teenagers who are looking for jobs this summer. All young people hired through the Challenge have gone through pre-employment training and are paired with an employment specialist to support both the youth and employer throughout the summer, ensuring a successful placement. Employers interview all candidates and have the final say.

 You can help your bottom line and help a young person take this important step toward their future. If you are interested in learning more about hiring a young person, please contact Ken Bowers at the City’s Office of Workforce Development, 617-349-6272.

Why is the Cambridge Challenge important?

Because Cambridge youth are:

• The City's best asset and investment
   
• Our future innovators and leaders
   
• Transformative for the businesses and professionals when partnered
   
• Tomorrow's workforce
   
• Seeking experience from today's Cambridge leaders and professionals
   

 What can you do?

The opportunities are endless and the time committment can be as short as an hour to as long as a year  or more. Each moment you spend, matters in the lives of the youth and will benefit the health of you and your business. 

 These are just a few of the many ways you can make an impact:

• Host a tour of your office
   
• Engage a youth in a company community service project
   
• Provide a summer job
   
• Support a summer or school year internship
   
• Mentor a youth

Click for more ideas.

 Get Started

We know you lead busy lives, and the Cambridge Challenge is all about making it simple for your business to connect with the youth and youth serving organizations of Cambridge. 

We can help you spend your time productively with youth.  The Cambridge Challenge website is full of resources to help you connect, manage, and monitor your experiences with local youth. Read our success stories, download our toolkits and get started today.